Learn React Native: The Best Courses and Resources

Learning React Native is essential for developers today. Software engineers often create applications meant for multiple platforms. And React Native eases this process significantly. That’s why its popularity among aspiring developers has exploded in recent years.

It may take some time to grasp the fundamentals of React Native. Luckily there are plenty of React Native courses, online resources, books, tutorials, and training available. But remember, proper research before signing up for any training or class is vital to avoid wasting time and money.

In this guide, we provide the best resources for learning React Native. Keep reading to discover resources vital for learning this valuable new development skill.

What Is React Native?

React Native is a framework based on Facebook’s JavaScript library that allows you to build mobile applications for iOS and Android. React Native allows developers to create platform-specific features so that code can be shared across different platforms. 

Most platforms are built for single projects. But React Native has developer tools for more efficient product development. The platform is consistent, features reusable code, and can allow developers to reach a broader audience.

What Jobs Use React Native Skills?

There are many companies seeking developers with React Native skills. Below you’ll find some examples of opportunities.

• Freelance developer. Once you learn React Native, you won’t need to work a typical 9 to 5. This in-demand skill allows you to work anywhere and anytime. You’ll have the freedom to work on different projects for individuals, companies, or yourself. The earning potential isn’t bad either. 
  
  
• Mobile engineer. Knowing React Native exposes you to different aspects of mobile development allowing you to find work for a company or build your own apps. 
  
  
• Software developer. You can also opt to become a software developer at a tech company. Many businesses have adopted React Native as their core platform for developing applications. 
  
  

Steps to Learn React Native

There are a few different approaches to learning React Native. Some students prefer self-paced online courses, while others want a more structured approach. Below you’ll find steps to begin learning React Native.

1. Install the Application

The installation process of React Native is relatively complex compared to other applications. You must first download and install the Java Development Kit, version seven or later. You should also install Node and Android Studio. 

2. Register for a Course

This guide features a long list of available courses. You can either select a free or paid option. These classes will give you necessary exposure to hone your skills and also provide an opportunity to interact with industry professionals.

3. Attend a Webinar or Training

You can also gain plenty of knowledge by attending a training or webinar on React Native. The platform’s popularity is on the rise and plenty of experts are willing to share their experience. 

4. Watch Online Tutorials

There are many YouTube tutorials covering React Native where experts share information and best practices. You can easily pick up valuable tips here to help you navigate the platform.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to learn any skill is by continually practicing. Just attending a class or reading a book is not enough to make you the best developer possible. As you practice, you will discover new hacks and become better at using React Native’s tools. And if all else fails, signing up for coding bootcamps is a great way to get structured practice. 

The Best Courses to Learn React Native

There are many options when it comes to learning React Native. The courses below, taught by experienced professionals, can be instrumental in helping you develop this skill.

Here are some of the best courses available for React Native.

CS50’s Mobile App Development with React Native

• Provider: Harvard University (edX)
• Cost: $90 for certificate
• Time: 13 weeks
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is an essential course to learn mobile app development using React Native. The instructor will teach you how to transition from web development to mobile app development using React Native. A verified certificate costs $90.

Multiplatform Mobile App Development with React Native

• Provider: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Coursera)
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 36 hours
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

These lessons will teach you how to build a cross-platform app using React Native and how to leverage your React Native and JavaScript skills efficiently. You will also learn how to use different features of React Native and the Expo SDK as well as how to use Redux. Redux is essential in designing the architecture of an application. 

The Complete React Native and Hooks Course

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: $15.99
• Time: 38 hours
• Prerequisite: Knowledge of JavaScript
  
  

This is an instrumental course to learn the basics of React Native where you’ll learn how to build mobile apps. This course covers the fundamentals of React Native, JSX props, state management, and event handling. The instructor will teach you terminologies relevant to React Native and Redux. 

Intro to React Native: Build a Cryptocurrency Tracker App

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: Free
• Time: 51 minutes
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is also an important resource for you to learn app development. The instructor will teach you about authentication, how to deploy the application, how to use Firebase, and how to use HTML and CSS, two languages you need to become a web designer. 

React Native Basics: Build a Currency Converter

• Provider: React Native School
• Cost: Free
• Time: N/A
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is a great option for both beginners and experts. It is one of the most recommended courses online and has proven helpful for building developer experience.

The lessons cover capturing and using user input, navigating multiple scenarios, interacting in an application programming interface (API), and building a solid foundation to create and maintain an app. Additionally, you will learn how to set up your React Native development environment.

React Native Navigation

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: Free
• Time: 2.5 hours 
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This free lesson will help you learn the basics of React Native and how to navigate between different screens in the application. You will also learn to build menus that work for iOS and Android apps.

Create Your First React Native App

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: $9.99
• Time: 3.5 hours 
• Prerequisite: Knowledge of JavaScript and ES5 
  
  

These lessons will teach you how to build a contact list, navigation basics, how to create a user screen, and more. The instructor will also cover essential topics in drawer navigation and tab navigation. With this course, you will understand how to use the platform’s different components, set up navigation, and create reusable design components. 

React Native: Building Mobile Apps

• Provider: LinkedIn Learning
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 2.5 hours 
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

This is an effective course to learn the best practices when it comes to React Native. You will not only learn how to use the platform but also how to debug applications. The lessons include creating touchable highlights, style sheets, match and post features, and other components. The course features video lessons, quizzes, and project files.  

React Native: Advanced Concepts

• Provider: Udemy
• Cost: Free
• Time: 16.5 hours 
• Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of React Native
  
  

This course is essential for learning the advanced concepts of React Native for animations, navigation, maps, and notifications. You will learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of implementing complex animation systems. The instructor will also teach how to bootstrap your application using the expo platform.

The course provides authentication topics like how to engage users using Facebook OAuth and how to increase your application’s reliability with offline data persistence.

React Native: Getting Started

• Provider: Pluralsight
• Cost: N/A
• Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
• Prerequisite: N/A
  
  

These lessons cover essential topics to teach you how to use React Native to build cross-platform mobile apps. You will build a platform for both iOS and Android users using JavaScript.

The course modules include building React Native apps, using components, debugging, and HTTP. You will also learn how to set up your environment and style layouts.

Why Learn React Native?

React Native allows you to develop applications on both iOS and Android. Its framework does not distinguish between the two systems. Because of this feature, many developers are learning this powerful tool.

In addition to cross-platform features, React Native includes additional tools to help maintain an application. For example, you will be able to use your app with CSS and UI tags. You can also easily debug applications.

React Native is the fastest and most reliable way to build apps today. Companies like Instagram, Facebook, Uber, and Airbnb utilize it. It also has a massive community of developers that use it to create hybrid applications. Users, meanwhile, can always expect better performance and compatibility from apps built on this platform.